Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the success rate for the Retrodermal Curettage procedure?A: The success rate for people suffering from excessive underarm sweating is over 90%. Patients have been extremely pleased with the results. Please ask us about our patient telephone referral list and read our patient's testimonials.

Q: What are the possible complications of the Retrodermal Curettage procedure?A: Side effects are limited to the underarm area only. There are no systemic side effects such as compensatory sweating or any problems related to the Sympathetic Nervous System.

Possible Complications after the Surgery:

Occasional skin loss

Fibrotic bands under the skin

Hardening of the skin

Discoloration of the skin

All of the above mentioned problems will correct themselves within a few weeks to a few months. If fibrotic bands or hardening occur, massage and ultrasound will help. Problems that occur on a less common basis include fluid collection, hematoma (a small collection of blood), and infection. All of the above mentioned possible complications are temporary and will heal with local wound care over time.

This Retrodermal Curettage procedure is localized to the underarm area and is not a systemic (whole body) procedure.

Q: Will the surgery address both excessive underarm sweating and excessive armpit odor?A: Yes. Most of the time, the surgery will address both issues. If odor alone is the problem, the success rate decreases to 50%.

Q: Is there a test to determine if my armpit sweating is more than that of the average person?A: Excessive armpit sweating is subjective. If the excessive armpit sweating is a serious issue that bothers you either socially or functionally, then you should consider this procedure for a permanent cure.

Q: Do the sweat glands grow back?A: No scientific evidence of sweat gland re-growth exists. Based upon our experience with an over 90% success rate, we believe that the outcome of the surgery is based on the reduction of the volume of the sweat glands and possible division of the sympathetic nerve endings that innervate the sweat glands.

Q: When can I shave my armpits or use deodorants following the procedure?A: You may begin to shave your armpits and use deodorants about 2 weeks after the surgery if you experience normal healing. In case of skin loss and healing difficulties, it may take longer; a few weeks to a few months, depending on how long it takes your body to completely heal.

Q: Is there hair loss in the armpit area associated with the surgery?A: Occasionally there is underarm hair loss, but most of the time the hair pattern is preserved.

Q: Is Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) a solution to Axillary Hyperhidrosis?A: ETS is not the solution for Axillary Hyperhidrosis. Possible outcomes of ETS include compensatory sweating, which may actually increase the excessive armpit sweating.

Q: How long should I avoid exercise?A: Avoid strenuous exercise for about 4-6 weeks.

Q: Additional Questions?A: If you have additional questions about excessive armpit sweating and would like to learn more about how we can help you, please contact us by clicking here.